Abstract: IL-13 receptor proteins, methods for their production, inhibitors of binding of IL-13 and its receptor and methods for their identification are also disclosed.

Abstract: IL-13 receptor proteins, methods for their production, inhibitors of binding of IL-13 and its receptor methods of mediating-Ig-responses and methods for their identification are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of identifying inhibitors of binding of IL-13 and its receptor and methods for their identification are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for selectively linking a polynucleotide through its 5' or 3' end to one or more preselected materials such as insoluble matrices, solid supports, proteins, small molecular or labels are disclosed. Use of these compositions and methods in the production of diagnostic and affinity reagents are also disclosed.

Abstract: Polynucleotides encoding the IL-13 receptor and fragments thereof are disclosed. IL-13 receptor proteins, methods for their production, inhibitors of binding of IL-13 and its receptor and methods for their identification are also disclosed.

Abstract: An open end of a hollow member is sealed using a sealing member comprising a layer of sealant between two constraining layers. Force is applied to the sealing member to maintain the sealant in sealing contact with the inner walls of the hollow member. At least one of the constraining layers and/or the means of applying force is sufficiently resilient to accommodate volume changes of the sealant during temperature fluctuations and displacement of the sealant when a substrate is inserted into the hollow member through the sealing member. To facilitate insertion of the substrate through the sealing member, holes and/or slits may be provided in one or both of the constraining layers and/or through the sealant layer.

Abstract: A nucleic acid construct useful in preparing reagents for determining target nucleotide sequences in the nucleic acid of a biological sample, the construct having in its single-stranded form:(a) a target binding region substantially complementary to the target nucleotide sequence, and(b) a signal strand pairing segment bound in the construct by complementary base pairing to a portion of the target binding region;a second portion of the target binding region being single-stranded; andthe target binding region and signal strand pairing segment being covalently linked by a phosphate/sugar backbone.A replicable nucleic acid having an origin of replication and two half-restriction sites capable of forming a restriction site can be treated with a restriction enzyme to form a length of nucleic acid containing the target binding region and the signal strand pairing segment. Subsequent labeling of the construct and various optional cleavage and derivation steps can convert the construct to a reagent complex.

Abstract: A diagnostic reagent is disclosed which is capable of binding to a target nucleotide sequence which is bound to a labeled polynucleotide in a target binding region which is at least partially co-extensive with the target binding region in the probe polynucleotide which is capable of binding to the target nucleotide sequence. A method is disclosed in which the reagent is contacted with a sample and with a capturing polynucleotide under conditions such that target nucleotide which may be present in the sample binds to the probe polynucleotide and displaces labeled polynucleotide from the reagent complex, and the capturing polynucleotide binds selectively to the displaced labeled polynucleotide in the region of the labeled polynucleotide that had been bound to the probe polynucleotide. Determination of the displaced nucleotide gives a value which is a function of the presence and concentration of target nucleotide in the sample.

Abstract: A diagnostic reagent is disclosed containing a complex of a probe polynucleotide (P) bound via purine/pyrimidine hydrogen bonding to a labeled polynucleotide (L). The probe (P) contains a target binding region (TBR) capable of binding to a target nucleotide sequence (G) of a biological sample. A method is disclosed in which contact with a sample containing the target nucleotide sequence (G) causes binding, initially between G and a single-stranded portion (IBR) of the target binding region (TBR). Thereafter the labeled polynucleotide (L) is displaced from the complex by branch migration of (G) into the (P)/(L) binding region. Determination of displaced labeled polynucleotide (L) gives a value which is a function of the presence and concentration of target nucleotide sequence (G) in the sample.

Abstract: A diagnostic reagent is disclosed containing a complex of a probe polynucleotide (P) bound via purine/pyrimidine hydrogen bonding to a labeled polynucleotide (L). The probe (P) contains a target binding region (TBR) capable of binding to a target nucleotide sequence (G) of a biological sample. A method is disclosed in which contact with a sample containing the target nucleotide sequence (G) causes binding, initially between G and a single-stranded portion (IBR) of the target binding region (TBR). Thereafter the labeled polynucleotide (L) is displaced from the complex by branch migration of (G) into the (P)/(L) binding region. A volume excluding polymeric agent such as poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO or PEG) or other polyethers enhances the rate of appearance of displaced labeled polynucleotide. Determination of displaced labeled polynucleotide (L) gives a value which is a function of the presence and concentration of target nucleotide sequence (G) in the sample.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence and amount of a predetermined target nucleotide sequence in a biological sample is provided. The method employs a reagent complex which consists of a labeled probe polynucleotide having a target binding region and a second polynucleotide bound to the labeled probe in a second polynucleotide binding region thereof. The second binding region is at least partially coextensive with the target binding region. This reagent complex is contacted with a sample under conditions in which the target sequence binds to the labeled probe, displacing the second polynucleotide. Labeled probe/target hybrids are separated from intact reagent complexes and the presence and amount of these hybrids are determined.

Abstract: Reagent complexes containing a probe polynucleotide with at least two target binding regions. A labeled polynucleotide is bound to at least a portion of each target binding region. In one method, sample nucleic acid displaces labeled polynucleotide from one target binding region; after washing, a reagent polynucleotide displaces labeled polynucleotide from the other target binding region. In a second method, sample nucleic acid strands having two target nucleic acid sequences in proximity (e.g., sequences translocated in certain cancers) displace the labeled polynucleotide from both target binding region.